HuffPost and New York Times Articles on Camping Safety and Backpacks

My tips were included in the HuffPo article, posted June 18th, 2024, The Camping Safety Items You Should Have On Hand, According To Experts and the New York Post article, posted June 21st, 2024, Taking a hike? Shop the top backpacking bags of 2024, per experts.

Link to the full HuffPo Article

Link to the full NY Post Article

Here are some of the tips and advice I provided:

 

Firstly, if you're gonna have two packs, try to have them as an integrated system so you can have your 90L and up bags also work as your 45L and down bag.

Often, you'll want all your camp gear in one bag only, but once your basecamp is built you don't wanna have to lug an oversized, under-stuffed, sloppy big bag when you can have a day bag converted from or part of it--OR, one that can strap onto it. That's my recommendation for bag form factor 2-in-1 bags or two that are integrated, or can be.

As for material, waterproof is key and weight is crucial. There is great joy in hiking through the rain or rivers and knowing your gear is nice and dry inside. BUT, if you have a spill, you'll have to clean it out as it can keep fluids in, too. BUT weight is a factor. Hiking a rucksack that weighs 10 lbs when empty is a huge waste. Each person will know their own strengths and weaknesses, but even elite hikers go for the lightest weight possible.

Materials matter, and they're always changing and improving. So the user will have to do some research as better materials weigh less, but cost more. Therefore, they'll have to weigh their own needs and funds, too.

Components: Pockets mean function. Those packs that look pretty as they are nice and smooth are often without outside pockets. This will make for extra work, like taking off your pack every time you need something and having to dig through it every time to find a snack or grab a thing. So, pockets on straps, on waist belt and on outsides are life savers, especially when you're smoked from hiking and just want a snack, drink, hat, etc. We typically carry 120 lbs of lightweight gear, haha! But we always have pockets, and those make it easier for teammates to know which has the radio or first aid kit in an emergency so there are many benefits to having pockets.

From the selection, I'm a fan of Osprey for quality and weight, prefer more pockets on the outside. The Ascend are great bags as are the Teton. These are for real hikers in the bush. North Face is a great brand and this model is a great middle ground solution. The others on this list are all very nice bags, best for urban or easy safe hikes. Anything where there is potential for being lost and needing to survive, I recommend pockets, waterproof, and lightweight.

That's my take on rucksacks as a Survival Teacher and Retired Special Forces (Green Beret) Officer and Senior Enlisted with 9 conflicts.

Hope it's helpful and happy hiking!